Aurelia Butler

Toyota brings the Hilux Revo BEV electric pickup concept to Australia for testing, ahead of a possible market launch in the future.The Hilux Revo BEV Concept was built by engineers at Toyota Thailand, where the gas- and diesel-powered Hilux trucks are produced, as a one-off using Toyota EV components. The automaker previewed an electric Tacoma in 2021, but has not indicated when North America could see such a model arrive in production form.All eyes this fall are on the Cybertruck, as Tesla prepares to start production of its long-delayed electric pickup. But Toyota isn’t ignoring this segment either, even if remains a bit of an EV skeptic.Earlier this month the Japanese automaker commenced testing of the Hilux BEV Revo in Australia, after the concept’s debut in December 2022. The latest round of trials with industry partners and local engineers could be a method of testing the waters with dealers and fleets, ahead of production launch of a similar model down the road.The Hilux BEV Revo Concept itself is based on the version of the truck produced in Thailand for the Australia and Oceania markets, and it was built as a one-off. It maintains the looks of the production model, which comes with either a gas or a diesel engine, though it sports a closed-off grille and a charging port on the front left fender. The truck itself is more of a ute than anything else (in keeping with the original Australian definition), with Toyota noting that Thailand is the “ute capital of the world,” with 145,000 Hilux sales in that country in 2022 alone. Australia is a bit further back with 64,000 sales last year—but that’s still enough to make the Hilux Australia’s best-selling vehicle.”Our evaluation engineers and industry partners have confirmed that this city-focused HiLux BEV—while very much a concept vehicle—looks, feels and drives like a production model,” said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing & franchise operations.Could such a model be offered in the U.S. at some point?The Hilux, equipped with gas and diesel engines, is produced in Thailand.ToyotaThe Chicken Tax would certainly require that any electric truck model for the U.S. be produced here as well, so a Hilux probably isn’t in the cards. And if industry trends are any indication, a Tacoma or another model with a battery-electric drivetrain is something that would have to be engineered alongside the gasoline model, rather than being retrofitted with an EV drivetrain deep into a production cycle. So if Toyota were to offer a mid-size electric pickup in the U.S., it would have to be closely synced up with the debut of a next-gen truck model. Toyota already revealed a Tacoma EV pickup concept in 2021, while also indicating that such a model was in development, but did not offer timelines or specifics at the time. But even during the Hilux REVO concept’s debut last year, Toyota president Akio Toyoda poured plenty of cold water on the chance of an immediate debut of an electric pickup from the automaker.”I believe we need to be realistic about when society will be able to fully adopt battery-electric vehicles and when our infrastructure can support them at scale,” Toyoda said in 2022. “Because just like the fully autonomous cars that we were all supposed to be driving by now, I think BEVs are just going to take longer to become mainstream than the media would like us to believe. And frankly, BEVs are not the only way to achieve the world’s carbon neutrality goals.” Toyota has previewed what an electric Tacoma could look like, but has not laid out a timeline for its commercial launch in North America.ToyotaIf there is any cause for optimism, it’s the fact that the Tacoma is new for 2024, which suggests we could see an EV version of it relatively soon, certainly within this product cycle rather than the next. The electric Tacoma is also likely to be based solely on the four-door version of the pickup, paired with a short bed, in keeping with industry trends. More on Toyota PickupsWhether we’ll see it as soon as late 2024 or early 2025 remains to be seen. But it’s worth noting that Toyota has committed to releasing 10 new EVs by 2026. So at least one of those models, we anticipate, could be a pickup truck.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Jay Ramey grew up around very strange European cars, and instead of seeking out something reliable and comfortable for his own personal use he has been drawn to the more adventurous side of the dependability spectrum. Despite being followed around by French cars for the past decade, he has somehow been able to avoid Citroën ownership, judging them too commonplace, and is currently looking at cars from the former Czechoslovakia. Jay has been with Autoweek since 2013.  More

Toyota is teasing two electric concept cars for the Tokyo auto show: the FT-Se sports car and the FT-3e SUV.The FT-Se has our attention thanks to its low-slung, wide shape and two-seat cockpit.Both will debut later this month, and we expect them to turn into production models eventually.We’ve been talking about the idea of an electric Toyota sports car for years now, and it looks to be getting closer to reality. A new concept car called the FT-Se will debut at the Tokyo auto show later this month, and it looks to be exactly the kind of low-slung EV performance coupe we’ve been waiting for.More on Toyota EV Sports CarsThe two teaser images show that the FT-Se has an aggressive stance with wide front and rear tracks and interesting-looking taillights culminating in fins that may help with aerodynamics. The GR logo, for Gazoo Racing, is prominently displayed on the rear ducktail spoiler. Inside, we can see that the dashboard incorporates several different display screens, and the steering wheel looks to be a yoke-style controller similar to what’s available in the Lexus RZ.ToyotaToyotaWe don’t know anything about what will underpin this new sports car, but Toyota suggests that it shares many components with the other concept car that will debut soon, a compact SUV called the FT-3e. This means that the company is likely to introduce a new EV platform that will serve several different future electric models.ToyotaToyotaThe FT-3e, though less exciting than the sports car, is still relevant, as Toyota currently only offers one EV model in the U.S., the bZ4X. Based on what we can see in the images, we’d guess that the FT-3e is similarly sized, meaning it could serve as a replacement for the bZ4X. Toyota hasn’t divulged much information yet, other than the fact that it has digital displays on the exterior doors that show information including battery charge and onboard temperature as you approach the car.We’ll find out a lot more about these two Toyota concept cars soon, as they’ll both debut at the Tokyo auto show later this month.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

Ford is recalling 238,364 Explorer SUVs from the 2020–2022 model years over a defect that could allow the vehicle to lose power and/or roll away.The problem is with the subframe bushing and a rear axle bolt that can fracture, according to documents filed with NHTSA.Owners of affected vehicles will be notified starting November 6, 2023.Ford will recall 238,364 Explorer SUVs to fix a problem that could cause the vehicle to lose power and potentially roll away if the parking brake is not applied. The problem affects 2022 through 2022 model year Explorers and, Ford says, is caused by a defective subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. If the bolt fails, according to the Safety Recall Report filed with NHTSA, the axle housing will move out of position, and the driver will hear “loud grinding, binding, or clunking noises.” There will also be a loss of transmission torque to the rear wheels, which could let the vehicle roll out of park if the parking brake has not been applied.Ford previously addressed this issue in 2022 by updating the vehicles’ powertrain control module software so it would engage the electronic parking brake whenever the vehicle was put in park. As of late September 2023, Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in a chronology of the problem, the company had received 396 reports of rear axle bolt failures in these vehicles. Of these, “less than 5 percent” had led to “a roll-in-park or loss of motive power condition,” Ford said.Owners of the affected Explorer SUVs will receive notifications of the recall starting November 6. In the meantime, Explorer owners can check the NHTSA recalls site to see if their vehicle is included in the recall. Other Recent RecallsDigital DirectorLaura Sky Brown has been involved in automotive media for a very long time, and she sees it as her calling to guard the legacy and help ensure the continued high quality of Car and Driver. She was one of the first staffers at Automobile Magazine in the ’80s and has worked for many other car magazines and websites as a writer, editor, and copy editor ever since. It has been her privilege to edit many of the greats of automotive journalism over the years, including the ones who currently write for C/D. More

The Nissan Rogue is receiving a refresh for the 2024 model year, including a new look for the front and rear.There’s also new technology, including built-in Google apps for the infotainment system in the higher trim levels.Nissan says the 2024 Rogue will go on sale early next year but hasn’t yet announced pricing.As Nissan’s bestselling model, the Rogue plays an important role, so it’s no surprise the compact SUV is already receiving another update. The current generation has only been around since the 2021 model year, and it already received a new engine for 2022, and now the 2024 Rogue benefits from a refresh that includes a new look and new technology features within.The front and rear ends are both restyled, with the grille getting a new design and the taillights also receiving a tweak. The SV’s 18-inch wheel design is new, while the top Platinum trim level (pictured here) receives a new 19-inch wheel along with gloss-black fender trim and a slightly ritzier-looking body kit. Nissan will also offer three new colors: Everest White Pearl, Deep Ocean Blue Pearl, and Baja Storm.Inside, Nissan says there are different materials and finishes for the dashboard, door panels, seats, and center console. The Platinum is also now available with a brown leather upholstery choice. The S and SV trim levels still have an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but the larger 12.3-inch screen in the SL and Platinum adds built-in Google apps such as Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. The SL also adds a wireless charging pad and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The smaller screen is compatible with Apple CarPlay on a wired connection, while the larger screen in SL and Platinum offers wireless smartphone mirroring.There are no changes to the 2024 Rogue’s powertrain, as it still comes standard with a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-three with a variable compression ratio that produces 201 horsepower. Front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission are standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. We tested a 2022 Rogue and found that this engine delivers on the acceleration front, improving the 60 mph time compared with the old 2.5-liter inline-four, but fell short in terms of real-world fuel economy.Nissan hasn’t announced pricing yet, but we think it will rise somewhat from the 2023 Rogue’s $29,275 base price. The updated model will start arriving at U.S. dealerships in early 2024.More on the RogueThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

With a potent twin-turbo V-6, the Z32-generation Nissan 300ZX was a performance icon.Steve Millen’s outfit, Stillen, made it even more potent and dubbed the resulting creation the SMZ.Between 50 and 60 SMZs were built.In the mid-1990s, no Nissan was hotter than one driven by New Zealand-born racer Steve Millen. A former rookie of the year at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Millen piloted a monstrous, widebody 300ZX IMSA GTS to the series championship in 1994, the car’s 800-hp twin-turbo engine belching fire on every downshift. If you were after a more powerful 300ZX for the street, Millen again was the man to see.Bring a TrailerThe 300ZX twin-turbo was already a pretty stout performer in its day, its 300-hp engine providing enough steam to take the fight to the likes of the mighty Toyota Supra. Steve Millen Sportparts (Stillen) comprehensively reworked the car. Stillen’s version broadened that performance envelope, not just with more boost, but also with improved braking, a stiffer suspension, and an aero kit. Further, the SMZ wasn’t merely a hastily tuned special, but a performance upgrade developed with Nissan’s blessing. The cars were 300ZX twin-turbos shipped from Nissan directly to Stillen’s shop in Costa Mesta, California. After the modifications and bodywork were completed, the cars were then sent to specially selected Nissan dealerships where they were sold with a full new-car warranty.Bring a TrailerFewer than 60 of these cars were built, and of those, only a handful in the 1996 model year, which was the final one for the 300ZX in the United States. This 1996 300ZX SMZ is up for auction on Bring A Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos.Bring a TrailerThis example is designated 96-102, although SMZs were numbered in a somewhat haphazard fashion (reportedly a car numbered 95-098 was built for a Microsoft employee who was working on Windows 98 at the time). It has 41K miles on the odometer and has had some major maintenance items done. The spark plugs and coil packs were replaced last year, and the clutch was replaced in 2014. The car was sold new by a New Mexico Nissan dealership, and had a sticker price of $66,371—that’s more than $130,000 today.Bring a TrailerWith a new boost controller and improved flow for the air intake and exhaust, these cars had a claimed peak output of 365 horsepower. Car and Driver tested an SMZ in June of 1995 and recorded a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds, a 70-0 mph stop in 187 feet, and 0.92 g on the skidpad. A 2023 Nissan Z Performance is less than a second quicker in a sprint to 60 mph, and only out grips the SMZ by 0.01 g. By 1996 standards, Stillen’s creation was a performance monster.Related StoriesThe auction includes all manner of extra goodies, including spare wheels, an SMZ-branded car cover and apparel, and a copy of the Car and Driver issue with the SMZ road test. This Z is still quick by modern standards, and rare enough to raise eyebrows when you pull up at your local cars and coffee.The auction ends on October 19. Contributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

A new collaboration between artist Daniel Arsham and Hot Wheels presents “fictional archaeology” in a pocket-size form.-Arsham’s eroded and crystallized car-based artworks have been featured by Porsche and at The Petersen automotive museum.-the sets will be released in four waves, called Laps, and start with a classic Hot Wheels from 1973 and an iconic whale-tail Porsche 930.Anyone who has ever stumbled across a battered and chipped old Hot Wheels car while cleaning out an attic or basement has felt that wave of childhood nostalgia. But what if the discovery was made by some archaeologist, uncounted millennia down the road? That’s the question posed by artist Daniel Arsham’s work, which reimagines pop culture icons like the DeLorean DMC-12 in a decayed, crystallized, fossilized state, as relics that might be dug up in the future. Now, in a collaboration with Mattel, Arsham has turned his creativity toward a pocket-size format.Hot WheelsFor Sale as a Limited SeriesLaunched as a limited series aimed at the Hot Wheels collector market, eight 1:64 scale model cars will be released in four waves. The first, dubbed Lap One, launches on October 27 through the Mattel Creations site, and features eroded versions of the 1973 Hot Wheels Rodger Dodger and a Porsche 930.The Rodger Dodger is a classic Hot Wheels creation, in the vein of models like the Twin-Mill and Bone Shaker. Originally designed by Hot Wheels O.G. Larry Woods, it’s a 1973 Dodge Charger with a supercharged V8 erupting from its hood – pure early 1970s tuned musclecar culture for plastic orange track racing. As a pop-culture future relic, it’s a perfect choice for Arsham’s treatment.Hot WheelsBut perhaps more personal is the choice of a Porsche 930. Now 43, Arsham spent his childhood sketching sneakers, cameras, and whale-tail Porsches, and has previously applied his “fictional archaeological” style to a 992-series 911 for Porsche in 2019. His own personal 1986 930 project, completed in 2020, features elements plucked from Porsche’s racing heritage, including a reimagined Apple racing livery and RSR and Kremer K3 details.Hot WheelsMore recently, Arsham had a trio of cars on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. The exhibit included two eroded and crystallized cars, an air-cooled 911 and a 1961 Ferrari GT intended as a nod to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The third is a Porsche 356, weathered and fitted with Japanese details, in a nod to the concept of wabi-sabi, the embrace of imperfection.Toys for All AgesScaling this ethos down to 1:64 Hot Wheels size clearly presented significant challenges, as the collaboration has taken two years to bear fruit. Mattel dug deep into its toy catalog and pulled out an Barbie construction material called Silkstone. Silkstone resembles porcelain but can be made using more modern methods, and it lends itself perfectly to Arsham’s partially eroded details.Lap One also launches with an Arsham version of the Super Rally carrying case, the original of which dates all the way back to Hot Wheels’ debut in 1968. It has eight slots for the upcoming models that will roll out over Laps Two through Four. Obviously, this is pure, uncut catnip if you are a Hot Wheels collector.But also, you don’t need to be a collector to appreciate the Arsham and Hot Wheels collaboration. These collectibles time-travel to a world where some archaeologist, using a futuristic tricorder scanner no doubt, digs their trowel into the ground and unearths a small toy that was some long-dead person’s childhood treasure. The kind of thing that belongs in a museum. Or, for now, in a place of pride on your display shelf. Contributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

Designed in California, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is a fun and capable SUV.The FJ Cruiser successfully picked up the styling thread of the early Land Cruiser.This example, up for auction on Bring a Trailer until October 18, has 96,000 miles on the odometer.With Toyota’s Calty design studio in California celebrating its 50th anniversary, what better time to go poking through the Calty back catalog to find some modern collectibles? The studio’s aim was to marry sunny SoCal car culture with pragmatic Toyota underpinnings, and sometimes it got the recipe exactly right. So it was with the FJ Cruiser, a retro-themed mid-size SUV that was basically a 4Runner with more fun baked in.Car and DriverThis FJ Cruiser, up for auction on Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos—is from the last model year available in North America, 2014. With 94,000 miles on the odometer, it’s just broken in by Toyota standards, and the Quicksand beige paint contrasts nicely with the white roof. A shorter wheelbase than the related 4Runner gives the 17-inch wheels an even chunkier look, and the friendly round-headlight face captures the spirit of the original FJ40 perfectly.Bring a TrailerWhen it first debuted for the 2007 model year, the FJ Cruiser gave Toyota’s image a much-needed shot in the arm. The brand’s reputation for reliability and pragmatism was well established, but the FJ Cruiser helped put the fun back in functional. Look! Three windshield wipers! Weird rear-opening half doors! Retro side mirrors!Bring a TrailerAnd underneath, the FJ Cruiser was basically just a shortened 4Runner, which made it great off-road. On the road, however, the combination of a thirsty 260-hp 4.0-liter V-6 and ponderous handling drew some complaints from the critics. In a review of a 2009 model, we summed things up by writing, “Driving the FJ is like piloting a boat.”Related StoriesHowever, the FJ Cruiser was at least a far better-behaved on-road companion than the contemporary Jeep Wrangler with its twin live axles. And besides, a trucklike driving feel is part of the Tonka Toy charm. If you want a RAV4, buy a RAV4. The FJ Cruiser is built to turn everyday chores into expeditions.Bring a TrailerThis example is claimed to have an accident-free history and has lived in New Mexico, Nevada, and now Washington—all natural habitats for Toyota’s off-road species. The charcoal cloth interior looks well preserved and should stand up to plenty of camping-related abuse. The mileage is also in the sweet spot of being low for a Toyota but not so low that you won’t want to get out and drive.With 67 cubic feet of cargo space when the back seat is folded down, and a roof rack and optional tow hitch for any extras, this FJ Cruiser is ready for outdoor activities. Even better, since the discontinuation of these trucks, demand has remained high. Toyota could easily sell a new FJ Cruiser if it wanted to, but until then, the FJ Cruiser remains sought after. It’s a modern collectible, one that’s ready for adventure.This auction ends on October 18.Contributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More